Sham Valley Trek

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Sham Valley Trek

Sham Valley Trek known as Baby trek due to lower altitude or the passes and less walking hours comparatively.

Sham Valley Trek involves a series of pass crossings. The first day is the drive to Timsogam a tiny village and then the hike starts with climbing up a slope which leads you to the pass crossing over the Rongthil la (4,000m) and then an additional pass the Muptak la (3,800m) is crossed and lastly the large village of Hemis Shukpachan is reached.

Next days walk is a level walk till the base of Tsermangchan la which is crossed after moderate ascending at 4,600m and further descending leads you to the village of Yangtang. Another destination is Hemis Shukpachen. This village is one of the most beautiful villages of Ladakh. Trail through the some sparkling streams bounded by shady willows and large barley fields. This landscape provides a touch of green to the bleak Rocky Mountains. Another trek leads uphill between two mounds west of the village upwards until it cuts south and ascents steeply up to the Mebtak La.

Trail easily after crossing Chagtse pass at 4,200m descend to the village of Likir which is connected to road and houses a large monastery. Visit the monastery and then walk to the village of Rafta. Once you cross the Mandang la pass (4,100m) you would reach Umla and from here its comparatively an easy trek to the village of Taroo which is a big village just behind the village of Phyang which houses an important monastery in Ladakh.

Major Attractions

Phyan village: Phyang Gompa is located on a mount that overlooks the Phyang village. This village is the resident of monks.

How to get there

By Air: Indian Airlines and Jet Airways have regular flights to and fro Leh. Leh airport is linked with important cities like Delhi, Srinagar and Chandigarh.

By Road: Regular state transport bus services run between Srinagar and Leh and Manali and Leh. If you do not prefer traveling by bus, the alternative available is jeeps.

By Rail: Jammu is the closest railway station and is 734 km from Leh. From here Buses take two days to reach Leh.

Best time to visit: June - October

Prerequisites/Facts/Suggestion

Check your climbing equipments before trekking.

This moderate trek can be reached up to 5200 meters.

You should be reasonably fit.

Travel in groups rather than moving alone.

Special permits are not required for trekking in the Indian Himalayas, with the exception of certain restricted areas.

While trekking in this area, make sure that you do not dirty the surrounding places and camping sites.

Things to carry

Walking stick

Binoculars and camera

Sleeping bag

Hiking shoes

Woolen clothes

Water, snacks

Electric torch

Medical kit

Other Attractions in the Vicinity

Shey palace: It is set on a hilllock which commanding the charming Shey. The 3 storey palace offers great view of the places around.

Thiksey: An exquisite example of Ladakhi architecture, Thiksey Monastery comprises of statue of Buddha. This monastery was built in 1980. Thiksey will let you take a glance of significance of Buddhism.

Hemis: A well known town is famous for its Hemis monastery. It is located around 40 km southeast of Leh. The monastery has a very wealthy collection of ancient relics. The monastic Hemis festival is also celebrated in early June.